A STOCKTON man caught carrying a kitchen knife has been locked up after a judge told him the public were “sick to death” of people carrying blades.

Robert Walker, 32, said he was carrying the 10-inch knife because he had encountered problems with drug dealers and users in his area.

But he left a couple terrified when he brandished the weapon after they almost collided with him as they drove along a Stockton road.

At Teesside Crown Court yesterday the judge, Recorder Jonathan Sandiford, handed Walker a nine-month prison sentence and warned him of the seriousness of carrying weapons - whether they are used or not.

He added: “The public are sick to death of people carrying knives on the street.”

Walker, of Hartington Road, had previously pleaded guilty to carrying a bladed article.

Prosecutor Harry Hatfield told the court that on July 6, a couple had been driving along Yarm Road, in Stockton, when an intoxicated Walker had run out into the path of the car.

Mr Hatfield said the driver immediately stopped the car and Walker said “you nearly hit me”.

It was then that Walker brandished the blade, which was described as being between six and eight inches, before leaving the scene.

The prosecutor said the male driver of the car chased Walker and restrained him until police arrived and arrested him.

Mr Hatfield said that Walker’s actions had left the couple terrified.

Defending, Rachel Dyson said that Walker had been carrying the knife because he was new to the area and was worried about some of the local residents.

Miss Dyson said that Walker had turned to alcohol after deaths in his family.

She said that throughout his police interview Walker had shown remorse and apologised for his actions.

Sentencing, the judge Recorder Sandiford said: “It could have been so much worse.”

The male driver who apprehended Walker was rewarded for his actions with £100.